Cryo Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET)*

Cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) is a specialized transmission electron microscopy technique in which samples are tilted and imaged under cryogenic conditions, resulting in a series of 2D images that can be computationally combined to produce a 3D reconstruction. And if a sample contains identical or repeating structures, subtomogram averaging could be a possibility to enhance the resolution of the structure of interest.

This is the method of choice for visualization of hydrated proteins, viruses, cells and small organisms. No chemical fixation and staining is used. It is a powerful tool that serves to fill the gap between protein structures and cellular structure.